noun
high-speed rail (esp. in China); rapid transit
Abbreviation of 高速鉄道. Commonly used in contexts related to Chinese high-speed rail systems, but can also refer to rapid transit more generally.
See also: 高速鉄道
中国の高鉄は世界でも有数の規模を誇る。
China's high-speed rail boasts one of the largest networks in the world.
高鉄の駅は市の中心部から少し離れている。
The high-speed rail station is a little way from the city center.
Abbreviation of 高速鉄道 (high-speed railway). The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely emerged as a convenient shorthand in news and technical contexts.